TWO roundabouts on the A55 are facing the axe amid safety and congestion fears.

Plans to replace the roundabouts at Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan with slip roads have moved a step closer after the Welsh Assembly Government launched a feasibility study.

Complaints that the roundabouts, the only two on the A55, are a safety hazard have been rife since they were built almost 20 years ago.

Town councillors last week met to discuss early proposals for the new road layout put forward by the Welsh Assembly Government.

While removing the roundabouts in principle is being welcomed, concerns have been raised that more roadworks on the Expressway could cause even more congestion.

Councillors also say they want to ensure the new layout is the best possible design to serve local residents and businesses. They fear the village will be by-passed if the new slip roads aren’t built close enough to the Pendalar estate.

There have been numerous incidents at the roundabouts where motorists have failed to stop and driven straight over the roundabouts, and lorries have overturned.

Last November a cement lorry overturned at the Penmaenmawr roundabout, with the driver suffering minor injuries.

A Welsh Assembly Government spokesman said the WAG is carrying out a feasibility study to see if the road layout at both junctions can be changed, including possible removal of the roundabouts.

He said: “The scheme will be considered for inclusion in the trunk road forward programme as part of the development of the National Transport Plan, due for publication at the end of this year.”

Llanfairfechan town councillor Andrew Hinchliff has voiced concerns over the plans said: “We have looked over the plans to replace the roundabouts and we are awaiting a second meeting to see the proposed plans for the junctions.

“We want a proper junction into the Pendalar estate, otherwise this will cause upset in the village. What was seven or eight years away has now been pushed forward.”

A spokesman from North Wales Recovery said: “It is a safety concern as the roundabouts cause people to break hard and we do get a lot of recovery call-outs there.

“It is a problem for lorry drivers overturning and it causes long hold-ups on the A55.”

Darren Millar AM welcomes the proposal. He said: “Personally I would welcome the removal of the roundabouts, such a move would improve safety and reduce congestion.

“The Assembly Government must ensure that any improvements still allow easy access to Penmaenmawr and Llanfairfechan and should manage any projects in a way that minimises disruption to traffic, particularly during the busy holiday periods.

“The Assembly Government should also bring forward a scheme to improve the eastbound carriageway around Penmaenbach in order to allow for the increase of the speed limit from the current 30mph to something more compatible with such an important European route,” added Mr Millar.